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Nail technicians are a crucial part of the beauty industry. Trained to beautify nails in many ways and maintain nail health, nail technicians carry out meticulous work whilst promoting self-care and proper nail maintenance practices. If you’re new to the world of nail techs and nail artistry, this article is here to answer all of your questions and queries.
Firstly, what is a nail technician and what do they do? Put simply, a nail technician decorates, repairs and maintains’ customers’ nails. Many people get their nails done as a part of their regular self-care and beauty maintenance routine. It’s a nail technician’s role to ensure their clients get their desired look, whilst maintaining the health and longevity of their nails.
The day-to-day activities of a nail technician may vary depending on their client’s requests or their area of specialty but, generally, all nail technicians are trained in the same key areas. This can include:
- Manicure/pedicure training
- Gel nail application and removal (this can include BIAB, gel extensions, Gel-X and more)
- Acrylic nail application and removal
- Nail art and design
- Maintenance and aftercare
- Nail anatomy and physiology
- Nail diseases and disorders
- How to repair natural nails and nail overlay systems
- Health and Safety
- Client communication and customer service
- Nail salon hygiene practices
The training you get will generally vary between service providers. Some nail technician training courses include all the above as standard, but others will only include elements.
What does a nail technician do?
In general, a nail technician will carry out an array of tasks throughout the day. Here’s what a typical day in the life of a nail tech could look like.
Sanitisation and cleaning
Nail technicians and artists must follow strict hygiene procedures to ensure the safety of their clients and themselves. This includes:
- Disinfecting nail equipment between clients
- Storing hazardous chemicals correctly
- Wearing proper PPE, including nail tech masks and gloves
- Disposing of waste correctly
Manicures and pedicures
A manicure involves filing and shaping the nails on the hands, whereas a pedicure is the same procedure for the feet. A competent nail tech will check the clients’ hands and feet to ensure there are no skin or nail problems before starting the treatment.
The process involves trimming nails and cuticles, filing and buffing nails, and applying a polish and cuticle oil if the client requests it!
Prepping, applying and removing nail extensions
Some clients prefer a natural, classic manicure, but others like a glam Cardi-B-Esque nail transformation. That’s why most nail technicians are trained to apply acrylics, Gel-X, polygel nails, amongst other nail extension systems. This process involves working with nail glue and drills to craft the nail into the clients’ chosen shape and length.
Nail techs must also learn how to remove nail extensions whilst protecting the health of the natural nail without damaging the skin.
Nail art and design
There are classic nail styles like the French manicure, marble nails and coloured tips, but some customers have more unique requests. Nail techs are artists in their own right and are often given in-depth training so that they can complete any design.
Client consultation and admin
Nail technicians must meet several customer service requirements. Whether they are working in a shop or from home, nail techs often have to:
- Schedule appointments
- Budget
- Promote their services (via social media, direct marketing, word of mouth and more)
- Build relationships with clients
Types of nail technician
‘Nail technician’ is a blanket term used to describe those who decorate, repair and maintain clients’ nails. However, once the basic training has been completed, nail techs can choose to specialise in specific areas, based on demand and their personal interests. This includes the following:
- Gel nail technician – These nail techs only carry out gel nail applications and removals. There are different soft gel, hard gel and gel polish systems from varying brands to choose from. This includes BIAB, Gellish, The Gel Bottle, Glitterbels and many more.
- Acrylic nail technician – Trained to apply and remove acrylic nails. This can be more time-consuming and labour-intensive compared to gel nail application, depending on the complexity of the shape and design.
- Manicurists and pedicurists – Trained to carry out manicures and pedicures only. Manicurists and pedicurists generally work with natural nails and may add designs with normal nail polish.
What is a mobile nail technician?
A mobile technician is a beauty professional that travels to clients with all of their nail supplies and tools, rather than clients travelling to them. Some people may prefer this option as it means they can service more clients and they can provide a salon-like experience for those who prefer to stay at home.
On the other hand, a salon-based nail technician usually has one place of work. They’re usually employed by the salon, or they work for themselves and rent a desk there.
How to train as a nail technician
With the internet, there are countless ways to train as a nail technician. You can do an online nail technician training course or a face-to-face course to get more in-depth practical training. The option you choose will depend on nail course costs, the level of training required and where you want your career to go.
College courses
In the UK, there are college courses and apprenticeships that give you the tools to become a nail technician. This includes the following NVQs:
- Level 2 or 3 Certificate in Nail Technology
- Level 1 or 2 Certificate in Nail Treatments
- Level 2 Award in Nail Art
Learn more about level 2 courses in our blog
You’ll need to enrol in the course before you start and attend regular classes, and complete exams and coursework to qualify as a nail tech.
Online nail training courses
This online-only training option allows you to get qualified wherever you are in the world. There’s no classroom training involved in these online courses and there are several types of qualifications that you could earn. This includes:
Online courses are often accredited by an array of different providers, aside from those listed above. When you select a course, ensure that the accreditation is widely recognised in your industry.
This will give you access to a bigger pool of potential clients and employers in future.
If you choose online training only, it’s worth noting that you may not have the right qualifications to work in a salon. So, if this is the path you want to take, you will need to check which NVQs, diplomas or accreditations the salon accepts before training.
What next?
So, when someone asks what is a nail technician? We hope you have all the tools to answer the question confidently! Looking to train to become a nail technician yourself? Don’t forget to check out our guide on UK nail technician qualifications, as well as our other handy guides to provide you with the next steps in your journey.